Now in its second edition, one of the region’s most memorable Italian-Brazilian events is back: the Italian Festival “Viva La Nostra Gente” comes to the city of Pedreira to celebrate tradition with plenty of Italian cuisine, music, and folk customs. The event takes place this weekend, and admission is free!
The name itself says it all: “Long Live Our People.” The festival’s goal is to reinforce a sense of belonging while keeping alive the memory of immigration and the traditions of the families living in the municipality.
Furthermore, Pedreira honors the contribution of Italian immigrants, who became a cornerstone of the city’s social and economic development.
The first immigrants arrived in the region around the second half of the 19th century to work on the coffee plantations. The growth in the labor force led to the opening of the railroad station in 1875, which was responsible for transporting the harvest.
In fact, Italians played a decisive role in the ceramics industry with the founding of Cerâmica Santa Rita in 1911 by brothers Angelo and Antonio Rizzi. Other immigrants helped develop the sector, earning Pedreira the title of “Porcelain Capital.”
What to expect from the 2nd “Viva La Nostra Gente” Italian Festival?
A highlight of the event, the Italian cuisine will feature around 40 food stands offering traditional recipes, promising to take visitors on a true journey through the flavors of Italy.
Prepared by families and chefs of Italian descent, the dishes range from handmade pasta to Neapolitan pizza, focaccia, polenta, and antipasti. For dessert, visitors will find traditional sweets such as Sicilian lemon gelato, served directly in the fruit, and the classic cannoli.
In fact, to make the experience even more immersive, the organizers will transform Ângelo Ferrari Square into a themed village with scenery inspired by Italian villages.
In addition to great food, the program for this Italian festival will feature folk performances, traditional dances, free scavenger hunts, and a children’s area.
One of the most anticipated moments, the traditional Tombo da Polenta, takes place on Sunday, starting at noon. The event is a symbol of Italian-Brazilian festivities and represents abundance, unity, and family celebration.
While having fun and savoring traditional dishes, visitors can enjoy live performances. In fact, this year’s main attraction, singer Tony Angeli, will perform on Saturday starting at 8 p.m. For anyone looking for an authentic Italian festival in São Paulo and the surrounding area, this is an unmissable event!
Be sure to make plans to go!
The 2nd “Viva La Nostra Gente” Italian Festival takes place August 14–16: Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Located at Praça Ângelo Ferrari (Rua XV de Novembro, 917-1013, Downtown Pedreira), the festival offers free admission, so you only pay for what you consume!
